£800k transformation gives Walsall flats new lease of life
Eyesore flats which have been vacant for a decade - becoming a target for vandals - have been given a new lease of life thanks to an £800,000 regeneration project.
Work began in May last year to transform the run-down, boarded up flats above shops at Stephenson Square in Beechdale, Walsall, into 10 one-bedroom apartments.
Residents, traders and councillors have for years called for action to be taken to repair the homes after problems with vandals and anti-social behaviour.
Metal thieves had previously stripped them of boiler parts and copper pipes, causing water to flood the stores on the ground floor.
Friendship Care and Housing, a member of Longhurst Group, one of the largest housing association in the Midlands, carried out the work.
Improvements to the building have included a new roof, additional insulation and installing double glazed windows.
The flats have a secure entrance on the ground floor and each feature a new layout including bathrooms, or shower rooms on the ground floor, hallway, kitchen / lounge area, and a bedroom.
Working closely with Walsall Council, the regeneration project has also provided new local office space for the housing association which will officially be opened on Wednesday, 13 July.
Craig Taylor, head of housing at Friendship Care and Housing, said: "Customers who live in Beechdale have told us they are delighted with the improvement to the street façade and we're proud to be making such a big difference for the Beechdale community.
"Moving our office also means we can have a bigger community presence in the area, and our customers can continue to visit us for advice and support."
Birchills and Leamore Councillor Tina Jukes praised the scheme, saying it improved the look of the area and would result in a drop in anti-social behaviour.
She said: "This has been a long time coming, for more than 10 years this site has looked like a mess.
"I have been down to Stephenson Square and have seen for myself how good it looks and it really has brought a new lease of life to the area.
"I also think having people in these flats now will see the community work closer together to stop the anti social behaviour that is troubling the area."
